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JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS

Safety Information for the University of California, Berkeley

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH & SAFETY – EMERGENCY RESPONSE

CLEANING UP AN UNKNOWN CHEMICAL RELEASE OR UNKNOWN
ABANDONED MATERIAL
TASK HAZARDS CONTROLS
1. Assess the situation to determine if material is contained, Exposure to the material(s). Avoid contact with material by
if the container is labeled, if a release is threatened assessing at a non-contaminated
(leaking, bulging, hissing, etc), if already released, and if location nearby.
the material poses a danger to the public, ground water,
If necessary, use binoculars to obtain
nearby waterways or to the atmosphere. If material is
clearer visual characterization of
released inside a building, it may be required to determine
material.
if material is an inhalation hazard or nuisance and the
extent of the release. If possible, grab a sample without
entering contaminated area, if material
is not contained.
Obtain information about identity from
building occupants if material is inside
a building, or from occupants of
nearby buildings if material is
discovered outside.

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 Exposure of the public to the material.
Harm to the environment when
material is outside and is not
contained. When material is
contained, a release is imminent.
Physical injury due to physical
hazards present at the site.
2. Select and don the appropriate PPE. Selection of PPE with inadequate
protection.
Erect sturdy barriers to keep traffic
away from the contaminated area or
area around an abandoned container.
Surround the contaminated area with a
tape with "Do Not Enter, Hazardous
Area" or a similar warning printed on
it.
Post warning signs around the area
with a contact name of a person,
department and telephone number.
Plug nearby storm drain(s) if any.
Create a make-shift-beam for released,
or contained material whose release is
imminent, by surrounding area or
perimeter of released material with
absorbent (general use) booms or pigs.
Do not enter contaminated area when
doing this.
If possible, clear surrounding area of
physical hazards that may pose a
danger to responders.
While assessing the situation,
determine the best possible approach
to the contaminated site in order to
minimize or eliminate possibility of
physical injury or stress.
When selecting PPE, discuss possible
hazards and protection with other
responders and double-check with
experts.
If unsure, assume worst-case scenario
and use SCBA and chemically-
resistant body protection.
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3. Monitor the atmosphere for toxic gases that may be
present. Perform a field analysis (Hazcat) for more
information about the material.
4. If material is released, determine the extent of release, the
perimeter of contaminated area and determine equipment,
and the furniture or fixtures nearby that may be also
contaminated.
Using a defective PPE.
Physical injury due to falling and
awkward positioning when donning
PPE.
Exposure to material.
Slipping and falling while performing
Task 3.
Physical injury due to presence of
physical hazards at the site, or falling
due to awkward positions while
monitoring.
Exposure to released material.
Incomplete determination of extent or
area of release due to impaired vision
which may be caused by PPE and/or
inadequate lighting in the release area.
Before donning a selected PPE,
examine it carefully to ensure that it is
free from defects.
Perform all required tests for integrity
of donned PPE before actual cleanup
or response.
To avoid defects of PPE, such as tears
and holes, select a larger size of PPE
that comfortably accommodates inner
clothing.
Be seated when donning body suit and
foot protection. If seating is not
possible, don with the assistance of a
buddy.
Don PPE at a location that is free from
physical hazards and can allow some
room for movement.
Wear appropriate PPE free from
defects and loose enough to allow free
and unrestrained movement
Avoid touching bare skin while inside
contaminated area or near the
unknown.
Assume stable and comfortable
position during field analysis.
Clear monitoring site of physical
hazards or, if not possible to clear,
work carefully around physical
hazards present.
While monitoring, avoid stressful and
awkward positions.
Follow Controls 3a-1 and 3a-2.
PPE should not impair vision.
Ensure adequate lighting at the release
site; if necessary, use extra high
intensity lighting to illuminate area of
release.
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5. If unknown material is released, apply neutralizer or Exposure to material.
absorb as appropriate.
Slipping and falling while performing
Task 5.
Injury due to physical hazards present
at the cleanup site.
6. Collect used absorbents or neutralizer and place in a Exposure to material.
compatible, defect-free container that includes a cover or
lid that can be secured to prevent material leakage or
spillage.
Physical stress or strain due to
repetitive and/or awkward motions.
Injury due to physical hazards at the
cleanup site.
7. If the container is unlabeled and leaking, treat the situation Exposure to material.
like a release of an unknown and perform Task 3.
Slipping and falling while performing
Task 7.
Physical injury due to presence of
physical hazards at the site or falling
due to awkward positions while
monitoring.
8. If the container found is not in good condition, transfer Exposure to material.
material to a more appropriate container located in a
nearby clean or decontaminated area.
Follow Controls 3a-1 and 3a-2.
If PPE is damaged, exit contaminated
area and change into new PPE free
from defects before reentering
contaminated area.
To avoid slipping and falling, assume
comfortable and stable position during
clean-up. Take breaks as necessary.
Clear contaminated site of physical
hazards or, if not possible to clear,
work carefully around physical
hazards present.
Follow Controls 3a-1 and 3a-2.
If PPE is damaged, exit contaminated
area and change into new PPE free
from defects before reentering
contaminated area.
Avoid performing repetitive motions
and assuming awkward positions for
long periods of time.
When performing repetitive tasks; take
breaks as often as necessary.
Follow Control 5c-1.
Follow Control 3a-1 and 3a-2.
Follow Controls 3b-1.
Follow Controls 3c-1 and 3c-2.
Follow Control 3a-1 and 3a-2.
If PPE is damaged, exit contaminated
area and change into new PPE free
from defects before reentering
contaminated area.
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9. Attach lid or cover on the container of the material and
secure it to prevent leakage or spillage during further
handling and/transfer to a secure location.
10. Final cleanup of contaminated site.
11. Begin the process for the newly discovered locations
starting with Task 4.
Physical injury due to lifting heavy
weight and awkward positioning while
transferring material.
Exposure to material that may
leak/spill out of the container or/and
on the side of the container.
Physical injury due to physical
hazards at the site, repetitive motion,
and awkward positioning during
cleanup.
Injury from pinching of body part if
caught while securing container lid or
cover.
Physical stress or injury from
handling of heavy container(s).
Discovery of other areas of
contamination which could lead to
exposure to the contaminant.
Exposure to contaminant found in the
newly discovered contaminated areas.
Handle weights that are appropriate to
one's capability.
Avoid awkward postures and
movements while handling a heavy
container.
Ensure that the container is not leaking
before further handling; if
contamination is discovered, repeat
Tasks 5 and 6 in proper order.
Avoid touching bare skin while in the
contaminated site.
Remove physical hazards before
cleanup, if possible. If not possible,
work carefully around physical
hazards present at the cleanup area.
Avoid performing repetitive motions
for long periods of time; take rest
periods at appropriate intervals during
clean-up if it involves repetitive
motions and awkward positions.
Avoid stressful motions and positions
if possible.
Secure the lid or cover carefully. Keep
threatened body parts away from pinch
points.
Follow Control 8b-1.
Follow Controls 3a-1 and 3a-2.
Keep PPE on, exiting the contaminated
site to change into new PPE free from
defects, as PPE gets saturated or
damaged during clean-up.
Follow Controls 3a-1 and 3a-2.
Keep PPE on, exiting the contaminated
site to change into new PPE free from
defects, as PPE gets saturated or
damaged during clean-up.
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 Physical injury due to physical If possible, remove physical hazards
hazards at the site, repetitive motion before clean-up. If not possible, work
and awkward positions during carefully around physical hazards
cleanup. present at the cleanup area.
Avoid performing repetitive motions
for long periods of time; take rest
periods at appropriate intervals during
clean-up if it involves repetitive
motions and awkward positions.
Avoid stressful motions and positions
if possible.
12. Prepare sealed container(s) for transport by labeling and Physical injury due to handling and Handle only weights corresponding to
providing secondary containment. lifting of heavy weight. one's capability.
Avoid awkward positions and motions
while handling heavy weight.
Use appropriate tool or equipment for
handling heavy weight.
Obtain assistance from a buddy as
necessary.
13. Transport wastes. Inadequate controls. Refer to JSA for transportation of
hazardous materials.
Required Training: Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
1. Training 1 - Proper donning and use of SCBA. 1. SCBA at optimum situation.
2. Training 2 - Proper operations of required monitoring 2. Safety glasses or goggles with face shield as appropriate.
equipment. 3. Half or full face respirator if determined to e sufficient.
3. Training 3 - Proper operation of tools that required when 4. Non-slip booties, double gloves appropriate for situation.
handling containers.

Other Information: See JSA for transportation of hazardous materials

Contributors: Environment, Health & Safety
Created: June 2005
JSA Library Number: EHS-ER-03

For more information about this JSA, contact the Office of Environment, Health and Safety at UC Berkeley, 317 University Hall #1150, Berkeley, CA 94720-1150
(510) 642-3073  http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu

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